153Should anyone wax angry with you, respond to
him with gentleness; and should anyone upbraid you,
forbear to upbraid him in return, but leave him to
himself and put your trust in God, the omnipotent
Avenger, the Lord of might and justice.

154
Ye have been prohibited from making use of
pulpits. Whoso wisheth to recite unto you the verses of
his Lord, let him sit on a chair placed upon a dais, that
he may make mention of God, his Lord, and the Lord
of all mankind. It is pleasing to God that ye should seat
yourselves on chairs and benches as a mark of honour
for the love ye bear for Him and for the Manifestation
of His glorious and resplendent Cause.

155
Gambling and the use of opium have been
forbidden unto you. Eschew them both, O people, and
be not of those who transgress. Beware of using any
substance that induceth sluggishness and torpor in the
human temple and inflicteth harm upon the body. We,
verily, desire for you naught save what shall profit you,
and to this bear witness all created things, had ye but
ears to hear.

156
Whensoever ye be invited to a banquet or festive
occasion, respond with joy and gladness, and whoever
fulfilleth his promise will be safe from reproof. This is a
Day on which each of God's wise decrees hath been
expounded.